Crafting Beeswax Candles: A Step-by-Step Process

Can You Make Candles With Beeswax? 

Yes, you can make your beeswax candles, but should you do it? It’s possible; many people enjoy crafting something with their hands. We’ll touch on the basic steps, share some helpful tips, and point out a few common mistakes that come up along the way when learning how to make beeswax candles at home.

That said, if you’re looking for a beautiful, long-lasting candle without the fuss, buying one made with care, like our beeswax candles, is a great way to bring natural warmth and charm into your home.

H2 What Ingredients Do You Need to Make Beeswax Candles?

Ingredients:

• 100% beeswax (filtered and clean)
• Cotton wick
• Glass jar or mold
• Optional: essential oils, coconut oil

Tools:

• Double boiler or glass bowl
• Thermometer
• Stirring stick
• Wick holder or clothespin
• Scissors

💬 Register Family Farm Tip: The secret to a truly beautiful beeswax candle starts with high-quality materials. That’s exactly why our candles shine—because we never cut corners on what goes inside.

What Kind of Beeswax Should You Use?

When it comes to beeswax, not all wax is created equal. For the best results, look for pure, natural beeswax that hasn’t been heavily processed or mixed with additives. At Register Family Farm, we use high-quality, clean beeswax that keeps our candles smelling sweet and burning cleanly. Choosing good wax means fewer headaches and a candle that lasts longer and looks beautiful.

😍 Don’t Miss It! For more on beeswax-based products' healing and moisturizing properties, check out our beeswax balm benefits.

How Much Beeswax Do You Need to Make One Candle?

Figuring out how much beeswax you’ll need depends a lot on the size and shape of your candle. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan:

Estimations: 1 lb of wax ≈ 3–4 small candles

One pound of beeswax generally makes about three to four small candles, depending on their size. This is great to know if you’re planning multiple candles or gifts.

Common jar sizes and wax needs

If you’re using standard candle jars, here’s a quick idea of wax amounts: a typical 8-oz jar takes about half a pound of wax, while smaller jars need less. Knowing your jar size helps avoid waste or running out mid-pour.

Optional adjustments if you add oils

If you add essential oils for fragrance, remember that this might slightly reduce the amount of beeswax needed, since oils take up some space. It’s all about finding the right balance to get that perfect scent and burn time.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Beeswax Candles

Step 1: Prep your container and wick

Start by making sure your candle jar or mold is clean and dry. Secure your wick in the center—using a wick sticker or a dab of melted wax helps keep it steady.

Step 2: Melt the wax slowly and safely

Melt your beeswax gently using a double boiler or a heat-safe container over simmering water. Patience is key here—too much heat can damage the wax.

Step 3: Add scents (if desired) at the right temperature

If you want to add essential oils or fragrance, wait until the wax cools slightly (around 140°F/60°C) before mixing them in, so the scent lasts longer.

Step 4: Pour into jars carefully

Pour the melted wax slowly into the prepared containers, keeping the wick centered. Do not disturb the wick or jar while the wax is cooling.

Step 5: Let cool and trim wick

Allow your candle to cool completely at room temperature. Once solid, trim the wick to about ¼ inch for the perfect burn.

Step 6: Test burn

Before gifting or using, light your candle to test the burn. This helps you spot any issues and enjoy the glow of your handiwork.

Tips for Getting It Right the First Time

✔️ Use pre-tabbed wicks to save time and hassle
✔️ Warm your jars slightly before pouring to prevent cracks in the wax
✔️ Let your candles cure for 1–2 days before lighting for the best burn
✔️ Use minimal or no added scent—beeswax has its amazing natural aroma

DIY Variations: 3 Ways to Make Beeswax Candles

Ready to go beyond basic jar candles? Here are three fun ways to experiment with making your beeswax candles—each with its style and charm.

Taper Beeswax Candles

• What you need: A tall mold or a hand-dipping setup, wick, and filtered beeswax.
• How to make it: Dip the wick into melted wax, then let it cool slightly before dipping it again. Repeat until the candle reaches the thickness you want.
• Little trick: Keep your wax at a steady temperature to avoid cracking or an uneven finish.

Pillar Beeswax Candles

• What you need: A silicone or metal mold, a thick wick, and beeswax
• How to make it: Pour the melted wax into the mold with the wick centered and secured. Let it cool thoroughly before gently removing the candle.
• Little trick: A little mold release spray goes a long way. It makes it easier to unmold and gives it smoother sides.

Scented Beeswax Candles

• What you need: High-quality essential oils (like lavender, eucalyptus, or orange), beeswax, wick, and a jar or mold
• How to make it: After melting your wax and taking it off the heat, add essential oils once it cools to around 130–140°F. That way, the scent doesn’t burn off.
• Little trick: Go easy on the oils—beeswax has a naturally lovely scent. About 6–10 drops per 8 oz of wax is plenty.

😍 Don´t Miss It! Want to create the perfect relaxing atmosphere? See our guide on what do I need for a spa day at home for inspiration.

Common Mistakes to Watch for When Making Beeswax Candles

Even simple recipes can go sideways. If you’re learning how to make your beeswax candles, here are a few hiccups to avoid:

• Tunneling – Happens when the wick is too small or not centered.
• Wicks that won’t stay lit – Usually caused by adding too much fragrance or not enough wick trimming.
• Frosty or cracked surfaces – Often a sign that the wax cooled too quickly or the jars were too cold.
• Too much scent – Beeswax has a natural aroma. Overloading it with oils can mess with the burn.

💡 Little trick: Warm your jars slightly before pouring and take your time during each step. Beeswax behaves best with patience, and when the materials are just right.

DIY Beeswax Candle Troubleshooting

Things not going as planned? Here are a few quick fixes if your candles aren’t turning out quite right:

• 🕯️ Wick keeps going out? → It’s probably too thin for the size of the candle. Try sizing up.
• 🔥 Uneven burn? → Your wick might not be centered. A simple shift can make a big difference.
• 🌿 No scent? → You may have added your oils when the wax was too hot. Let it cool to around 130–140°F first.
• 💔 Ugly finish? → This could be due to the wax cooling too fast or your container being too cold.

💡 Little trick: Trim your wick to about ¼" before every burn—this helps prevent flickering, sooting, and other issues that can make even the prettiest candle feel like a flop

DIY vs. Buying: When It's Better to Leave It to the Pros

Enjoy the Warm Glow of Our Premium Beeswax Candles

There’s nothing quite like a high-quality beeswax candle's cozy, natural glow. At Register Family Farm, we craft each candle with care to bring warmth and a subtle honey scent to your home.

Customer Favorites: Our Best-Selling Candles

FAQs

How long to cure beeswax candles?

Beeswax candles should cure for about 1 to 2 days before burning. This resting time helps the wax harden properly and allows any added scents to settle fully, ensuring a smoother, longer-lasting burn.

Can you make candles with 100% beeswax?

Absolutely! Candles made with 100% pure beeswax burn cleanly without toxins or chemicals. They naturally emit a gentle honey aroma and tend to last longer than other wax types.

Why do my beeswax candles sink in the middle?

Sinking in the middle of a beeswax candle usually happens when the wax cools too quickly or unevenly, causing it to contract. It can also be caused by using a wick that’s too small,

What kind of oil do you mix with beeswax for candles?

For beeswax candles, it's best to use high-quality essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or sweet orange. These natural oils blend well with beeswax and complement its subtle honey scent without overpowering it,

How to add scent to beeswax candles?

To add scent, wait until the melted beeswax cools to around 130–140°F before mixing in your essential oils. Adding fragrance at this temperature helps preserve the oils’ natural aroma and ensures an even distribution without affecting the wax’s texture, a key tip for anyone wondering how to make your own beeswax candles.